The Simmons SDS-800 is a 100% analog 80s drum synthesizer, responsible for the cosmic syn-tom ('beeww beeww') sounds used on countless disco, boogie & reggae recordings. In the 90s, it became re-popularized in the techno world, with the raw, resonant white noise oscillator being used for jarring hi hat and snare programming. And most recently, the Simmons drum sounds have become a signature for punk funk groups like LCD Soundsystem.

So, to capture this machine in the best way possible, I ran it through a warm selection of gear-mostly API preamp & EQ, SSL Compressor, an 1176, and the Otari MTR-12 tape machine. The results sound awesome-these samples are great on their own, but really shine when layered with other samples like the Drumtrax, 808, etc.

I also tuned a bunch of the sub kicks and toms (with a guitar tuner!) and they work beautifully for basslines and melodic stuff in general.